Claiming Against a Foreign-Registered Vehicle in Malaysia
You can still claim if a Singapore, Thai or other foreign-registered vehicle hits your car in Malaysia. However, the process may take longer, especially when dealing with an overseas insurer. Get the driver's details, take photos and make a police report within 24 hours. You can then claim from the other driver's insurer or, if you have comprehensive cover, consider claiming through your own policy.
- Last reviewed:
- Reviewed by:
- Compliance
- Check insurance: Foreign vehicles must have valid insurance accepted for use in Malaysia, subject to applicable exemptions and arrangements.
- Report within 24 hours: Make a police report as soon as possible.
- Two options for car damage: Claim against the other driver's insurer or use your own comprehensive cover.
- OD-KFK may not apply: It is generally unavailable when the at-fault vehicle is insured by an overseas insurer.
How foreign vehicles are insured in Malaysia
Foreign vehicles entering Malaysia must meet the applicable entry and insurance requirements. The rules can differ depending on the vehicle's country of registration.
Singapore cars and the VEP
JPJ began enforcing the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) at the Malaysia-Singapore land border from 1 July 2025.
Singapore-registered vehicles entering Malaysia must have valid road tax and motor insurance. However, a VEP is an entry permit, not insurance. It does not replace the vehicle's insurance policy.
Does Singapore car insurance cover Malaysia?
Many Singapore motor insurance policies extend to West Malaysia, but the geographical limits and coverage depend on the insurer.
For example, some policy wordings also cover parts of southern Thailand within a specified distance from the Malaysia-Thailand border. Always check the driver's certificate of insurance and policy terms to confirm that the accident is covered.
Thai cars near the border
Under a reciprocal arrangement introduced in 1994, certain Thai vehicles entering Malaysia within 2 km of selected border checkpoints have been exempt from the usual insurance requirement.
However, the government was reviewing this exemption in June 2026. Do not assume that every Thai-registered vehicle is exempt or insured. Check its actual insurance status.
ASEAN Blue Card (ACMI)
The ASEAN Compulsory Motor Insurance (ACMI) Blue Card scheme provides evidence of compulsory motor insurance for certain cross-border transit vehicles under the ASEAN framework.
The coverage depends on the participating country and applicable policy. For example, the listed Singapore coverage is for death and bodily injury, not vehicle repairs. The Blue Card should not be treated as proof that every foreign private car has comprehensive cover in Malaysia.
What to do at the accident scene
Follow these steps to protect your position before the other driver leaves Malaysia.
Stay safe
Move to a safe location if possible and call 999 if anyone is injured.
Take photos
Capture the foreign vehicle's registration plate, damage to both vehicles and the accident scene. Save any dashcam footage.
Get the driver's details
Record their name, contact number, passport or identification details, insurer and policy number. Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate if possible.
Make a police report
Report the accident within 24 hours under Section 52 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Inform your insurer
Notify your own insurer as soon as possible, even if you intend to claim against the other driver.
How to claim for damage to your car
If the foreign driver is responsible, you generally have two possible routes. Your insurance coverage and the other vehicle's policy will determine which option is available.
| Claim option | Who you claim from | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Third-party claim | The foreign driver's insurer | Your own NCD is generally unaffected, but cross-border claims may take longer |
| Own damage claim | Your own insurer | Available with comprehensive cover; excess may apply and your NCD may be affected |
Claiming from the foreign insurer
If the foreign driver has valid insurance that covers the accident in Malaysia, you can approach their insurer to make a third-party property damage claim.
- Check the claim process: Ask the insurer how to submit a claim for an accident that happened in Malaysia.
- Prepare your documents: You may need the police report, investigation outcome, accident photos, repair estimate and relevant insurance details.
- Follow up: Keep records of your communication with the insurer and any claim reference number.
Claiming through your own policy
If you have comprehensive cover, you may choose to claim from your own insurer instead.
- Comprehensive cover: Your insurer can assess the damage and arrange repairs under your comprehensive car insurance.
- NCD impact: A normal own damage claim can affect your No Claim Discount (NCD), which may increase your next renewal price.
- OD-KFK limitations: Own Damage Knock-for-Knock (OD-KFK) generally does not apply when the at-fault vehicle is insured by an overseas insurer. Check with your insurer before choosing a claim route.
What if you only have third-party cover?
Your policy will not pay for damage to your own car. You will generally need to claim against the foreign driver's insurer, if valid cover applies, or consider pursuing compensation directly from the driver.
What if someone is injured or the foreign vehicle is uninsured?
If you or your passengers are injured
- Claim against the responsible party: An eligible injury or death claim may be made against the at-fault driver's insurer, subject to the policy and applicable law.
- Keep medical records: Save medical reports, hospital bills and receipts related to the accident.
- Check your own PA cover: Personal accident cover may provide separate benefits under its own terms.
If the foreign vehicle has no valid insurance
Your options may be more limited, particularly if the driver returns to their home country.
- Pursue the driver: You may seek compensation directly from the driver responsible for the accident. Legal advice can help you understand the process and costs.
- Check MIB eligibility: The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) may consider certain eligible bodily injury or death claims involving uninsured vehicles. Do not assume that your case qualifies or that MIB will cover vehicle repairs. Contact MIB or PIAM to confirm the applicable requirements.
Read more about what happens when the other driver has no insurance and hit-and-run accidents.
Frequently asked questions
No. A VEP is an entry permit for foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia. It does not replace the vehicle's motor insurance.
Many Singapore policies extend to West Malaysia, but coverage depends on the insurer and policy terms. Ask the driver for their insurance certificate and confirm the coverage with their insurer.
Generally, no, if the at-fault vehicle is insured by an overseas insurer. You may need to claim directly from the foreign insurer or use your own comprehensive policy, subject to its terms.
Start by contacting your own insurer for guidance on your available claim options. You can also contact PIAM for general information about motor insurance claims involving foreign vehicles.
Be prepared for accidents involving foreign vehicles
A claim involving a foreign-registered vehicle can take more effort, particularly when you need to deal with an overseas insurer. Having comprehensive cover gives you another possible route for eligible damage to your own car. Read our guide to making a car insurance claim to understand the general claims process.